The legendary Stork Club was a significant part of Port Stanley's history, and the history of south-western Ontario.  It drew crowds from as far away as the northern US border states.  When it opened in 1926, more than 6500 people attended.  They paid 15 cents admission and 5 cents a dance to be part of the opening.

The original dance pavilion was built by the London and Port Stanley Railroad, and had one of the largest - some say THE largest - dance floors in North America.  The dance floor covered over 13,000 square feet, and was designed to be a 'floating floor' able to take the heaviest strains and vibrations while still providing a smooth dancing surface.

To open the pavilion, the Victor Lopez band was contracted for a two-week engagement.  Almost all of the big name orchestras, including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Guy Lombardo, and many more, played repeatedly at the Stork Club.

The memories and music are still strong in the community, and it is imperative to preserve that history before it is lost.  It is to this task that the Big Band Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated.